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Alienware Graphics Amplifier vs ASUS ROG XG Station 2: Comparison
What is the difference between Alienware Graphics Amplifier and ASUS ROG XG Station 2?
They are built to different briefs, and cooling type shows it, Alienware Graphics Amplifier Active Fan against ASUS ROG XG Station 2 Active dual-fan. Add psu wattage to that, 460 W on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus 600 W on the ASUS ROG XG Station 2, and the pattern holds. They differ on connection standard too, Proprietary on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus Thunderbolt 3 on the ASUS ROG XG Station 2. There is a split on max gpu length as well, 290 mm on the Alienware Graphics Amplifier versus Full-length cards on the ASUS ROG XG Station 2.
Which should you buy, Alienware Graphics Amplifier or ASUS ROG XG Station 2?
it is not built for anyone wanting USB-C laptop charging through the eGPU cable. It is equally the pick for owners of a compatible older Alienware or Dell G-Series laptop with the Amplifier Port. Avoid it for any laptop without the specific Alienware Graphics Amplifier Port, since the connector is proprietary. Buy the ASUS ROG XG Station 2 for desktop-replacement setups where portability doesn't matter and buyers prioritizing PSU headroom over compactness, though it is not the pick for laptop users wanting pass-through charging and space-constrained desks. It also earns its place with owners of large triple-fan cards from the GTX 10/RTX 20 era. Our rating of the Alienware Graphics Amplifier (6/10): strong bandwidth for its era, but locked to a short list of older Alienware and Dell G-Series laptops. Our rating of the ASUS ROG XG Station 2 (6.5/10): overbuilt in a good way for its era, huge PSU headroom for large cards, at the cost of size and no laptop charging.
Which is cheaper, Alienware Graphics Amplifier or ASUS ROG XG Station 2?
The ASUS ROG XG Station 2 asks 10% more, $329 against $299 for the Alienware Graphics Amplifier.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Extra ports read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Alienware
- ASUS ROG XG Station 2
- ASUS / ROG
Connection Standard
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Proprietary
- ASUS ROG XG Station 2
- Thunderbolt 3
Model Number
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Graphics Amplifier
- ASUS ROG XG Station 2
- ROG-XG-STATION-2
Extra Ports
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 4
- ASUS ROG XG Station 2
- 4
PSU Wattage
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 460 W-23%
- ASUS ROG XG Station 2
- 600 WBest
Max GPU Length
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- 290 mm
- ASUS ROG XG Station 2
- Full-length cards
Cooling Type
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Active Fan
- ASUS ROG XG Station 2
- Active dual-fan
Price
- Alienware Graphics Amplifier
- Launched around $299 (2015)
- ASUS ROG XG Station 2
- Launched around $329-$399 (2017)
Which one should you pick?
Choose Alienware Graphics Amplifier if you want the higher extra ports (4 vs 4).
Choose ASUS ROG XG Station 2 if you want the higher PSU wattage (600 W vs 460 W).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alienware Graphics Amplifier | ASUS ROG XG Station 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $299.00 View on Amazon | |
| Consumercarts listing | $329.00 View on Consumercarts listing |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Alienware Graphics Amplifier
6 / 10 Expert Rating
Strong bandwidth for its era, but locked to a short list of older Alienware and Dell G-Series laptops.
ASUS ROG XG Station 2
6.5 / 10 Expert Rating
Overbuilt in a good way for its era, huge PSU headroom for large cards, at the cost of size and no laptop charging.